Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force officer and astronaut, returned to Earth on July 15, 2025, after completing the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). He piloted the SpaceX Dragon capsule, which made a successful splashdown off the coast of San Diego, marking a historic moment for India in commercial spaceflight.

During his stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla conducted seven India-specific microgravity experiments, covering crucial areas like biomedical science, fluid dynamics, and materials research. These experiments were developed in collaboration with Indian scientific institutions and are expected to contribute significantly to both academic and applied research.

The mission was part of a collaboration between Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA, and Shukla's participation exemplifies India's growing presence in international space endeavors. His safe return adds a new chapter to India’s expanding space story, making him a role model for future Indian astronauts.

Shukla’s leadership in piloting the return also reflects India’s readiness for more crewed missions in the global space race.